The death of a registered owner of property does not form part of the 'Tell Us Once' service as it relates to people rather than property.
You can check and confirm the register online at any time for a fee. The register will confirm ownership providing the property is registered.
Search for land and property information - GOV.UK
If you bought the property after 1990 then it will be registered but do search online and if it is registered the register will be available to download
A mortgage lender will normally update the register electronically when the mortgage has been paid off/redeemed and they will do that separately. They won't inform us of the death
There is no 'need' to update the register re the death as it is factual and can be proven as and when required through production of the death certificate e.g. when the property is sold or perhaps remortgaged
However you can apply at any time to update the register re the death and on completion we would send you a copy of the updated register as appropriate. The following explains how to apply
Our bereavement leaflet provides important information for you to consider when dealing with property when someone dies.
Documents you need to send
To remove a deceased joint owner from the property record, please complete:
and send either:
- a certified copy of the death certificate
- a certified letter of administration or probate
To certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original please write: “I certify this to be a true copy of the original dated…… signed (in wet ink)……Name printed)……………. Address…………….date………….” on the face of the copied document.
You must not certify a copy of a document to be a true copy of the original, if you know that this is untrue. If you dishonestly give information or make a statement that you know is untrue or misleading, you may commit the offence of fraud under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006 for which you may be prosecuted.
Once we have made a scanned copy of the documents you send to us, they will be destroyed. This applies to both originals and certified copies unless the document is classed as a ‘cherished document’. Cherished documents include items such as birth, marriage and death certificates, passports and probate certificates. We will return the originals of these documents to you if they are lodged.
The YouTube video How to certify a document for HM Land Registry may assist you.
Find out more about Devolution on the death of a registered proprietor.
How much it costs
There is no fee for this application.
Where to send your application
HM Land Registry address for applications
Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to
consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.
